Exterior trim system with corner trim piece

ABSTRACT

An exterior trim system is described. The exterior trim system comprises a pair of J-channel members for mounting to an exterior surface of a building. The exterior trim system includes a number of different corner trim pieces for securing to the J-channel members. The corner trim pieces include an outside corner trim piece, an inside corner trim piece, and a universal corner trim piece capable of being used for both outside and inside corners of a building. The corner trim pieces provide an aesthetically appealing appearance to the corners of the building.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The instant application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 60/969,366, filed Aug. 31, 2007, the entirespecification of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an exterior trim system withcorner trim pieces used in decorating exteriors of buildings. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to an exterior trim systemcomprising corner trim pieces, including those formed from polyvinylchloride (PVC), that are configured for concealing siding and providingan aesthetically pleasing finished appearance to an exterior of abuilding.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Exterior trim pieces are well known in the art for finishing exteriorsof buildings to provide an aesthetically pleasing finished appearance.Traditionally, wood has been used to form these trim pieces. Oneparticular example of this is seen in older clapboard houses in whichwood trim provides a finished appearance to wood clapboards.Unfortunately, wood is subject to degradation from insects, wind, rain,sun, and other environmental elements. PVC or “vinyl” siding waseventually developed as a substitute for wood. Vinyl siding was found tobe durable and weather resistant. To compliment the use of vinyl siding,exterior trim pieces were also developed that were similarly durable andweather resistant. Often such pieces are used to finish inside andoutside wall corners of a building that has been covered in vinylsiding. Examples of such trim pieces are shown in U.S. Pat. No.5,090,174 to Fragale.

Fragale appears to disclose exterior trim pieces that are preferablyformed of metal of about 0.013 gauge with a foam substrate laminated tothe metal. The foam substrate provides insulation to the trim pieces.Each of the trim pieces has an integral J-channel that receives sidingto conceal ends of the siding and provide an aesthetically pleasingappearance to an exterior of a building. Installation of the trim piecescomprises simply applying an adhesive to the foam substrate and adheringthe trim pieces to the exterior. An outer surface of the metal layer canbe embossed with a wood grain, painted in any color, or striated with acolored PVC coating.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,542,222 to Wilson et al. appears to show similarexterior trim pieces to those of Fragale. The trim pieces of Wilson etal., however, can be formed of PVC with an inner support member adheredto the PVC for strengthening the trim pieces. These PVC trim pieces alsoinclude integral J-channels for receiving and concealing siding ends.The J-channels include flanges that abut the exterior of the building.Wilson et al. suggests using fasteners such as nails to secure theflanges to the exterior thereby securing the trim pieces to thebuilding.

Accordingly, there exists a need for new and improved exterior trimsystems, including those comprising corner trim pieces, that areconfigured for concealing siding and providing an aesthetically pleasingfinished appearance to an exterior of a building, that overcome at leastone of the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES

In accordance with the general teachings of the present invention, thereis provided an exterior trim system comprising corner trim pieces.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the system comprises apair of elongated J-channel members for receiving siding. Each of theJ-channel members includes a hook-shaped lip. Each of the J-channelmembers is configured for mounting to an outer surface of a buildingadjacent to a corner of the building. By “corner,” as that term is usedherein, it is meant any location where two wall members, such as but notlimited to exterior wall members) abut against, join to, or are inproximity to one another. Preferably, the J-channel members are mountedon opposite sides of the corner of the building. A corner trim piece issecured to the J-channel members. The corner trim piece includes a pairof complimentary interlocking lips for locking to the hook-shaped lipsof the J-channel members thereby securing the corner trim piece to theJ-channel members.

In accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, an exterior trimsystem for use on an exterior of a building is provided, comprising: (1)a channel member, wherein the channel member defines a J-channeloperable to receive an end of a siding panel, wherein one end of thechannel member includes a flange member operable to fasten the channelmember to the exterior of the building, wherein a second end of thechannel member includes a hook-shaped lip portion; and (2) a corner trimmember, wherein the corner trim member includes an interlocking lipportion, wherein the interlocking lip portion at least partiallyenvelopes and is secured to the hook-shaped lip portion of the channelmember.

In accordance with a first alternative embodiment of the invention, anexterior trim system for use on an exterior of a building is provided,comprising: (1) a pair of channel members, wherein each of the channelmembers define a J-channel operable to receive an end of a siding panel,wherein one end of each of the channel members include a flange memberoperable to fasten the channel member to the exterior of the building,wherein a second end of each of the channel members include ahook-shaped lip portion; and (2) a corner trim member, wherein thecorner trim member includes a pair of interlocking lip portions, whereineach of the interlocking lip portions at least partially envelop and aresecured to each of the hook-shaped lip portions of the channel members.

In accordance with a second alternative embodiment of the invention, anexterior trim system for use on an exterior of a building is provided,comprising: (1) a unitary channel member, wherein the channel memberdefines a pair of J-channels each operable to receive an end of a sidingpanel, wherein a first end and a second end of the channel member eachinclude a flange member operable to fasten the channel member to theexterior of the building, wherein a third end and a fourth end of thechannel member each include a hook-shaped lip portion; and (2) a cornertrim member, wherein the corner trim member includes a pair ofinterlocking lip portions, wherein each of the interlocking lip portionsat least partially envelop and are secured to each of the hook-shapedlip portions of the channel member.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will becomeapparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It shouldbe understood that the detailed description and specific examples, whileindicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended forpurpose of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope ofthe invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated,as the same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a building having a plurality ofsiding panels covering an exterior of the building with an outsidecorner trim piece of the present invention covering an outside corner ofthe building;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior trim system includingthe outside corner trim piece positioned at a generally square outsidecorner of the building;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior trim system includingthe outside corner trim piece positioned at a generally obtuse outsidecorner of the building;

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the outside corner trim piece;

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the outside corner trim piece;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the outside corner trim pieceincluding one embodiment of dimensions in inches for the outside cornertrim piece, which are exemplary and not to intended to limit the presentinvention

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior trim system including auniversal corner trim piece positioned at a generally square insidecorner of the building;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior trim system includingthe universal corner trim piece positioned at a generally obtuse outsidecorner of the building;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior trim system includingthe universal corner trim piece positioned at a generally square outsidecorner of the building;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of the universal corner trim piece;

FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the universal corner trim piece;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the universal corner trim pieceincluding one embodiment of dimensions in inches for the universalcorner trim piece, which are exemplary and not to intended to limit thepresent invention;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the exterior trim system includingan inside corner trim piece positioned at a generally square insidecorner of the building;

FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the inside corner trim piece;

FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the inside corner trim piece; and

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the inside corner trim pieceincluding one embodiment of dimensions in inches for the inside cornertrim piece, which are exemplary and not to intended to limit the presentinvention.

The same reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout thevarious Figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the Figures generally, a first exterior trim system securedto a building B is shown generally at 18 in FIGS. 1-3. The building Bincludes an exterior surface E onto which a plurality of PVC or vinylsiding panels S have been placed. Although the present invention will bedescribed primarily in connection with the use of PVC or vinyl sidingpanels, it should be appreciated that the present invention can also bepracticed with siding panels of various other compositions.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 2 and 3, the first exterior trim system18 includes a pair of elongated J-channel members 20. Each of theJ-channel members 20 includes a flange portion 22 defining a pluralityof holes 24 vertically spaced from one another along the J-channelmembers 20 for securing the flange portion 22 to the exterior surface Eof the building B, e.g., by using a fastener, such as a screw or nail(shown in phantom). Each of the J-channel members 20 further includes abase portion 26 extending from the flange portion 22 and a leg portion28 extending from the base portion 26 to form a J-shaped channel 30 forreceiving the siding panels S once the J-channel members 20 have beensecured to the exterior surface E.

A hook-shaped lip 32 forms an edge of the leg portion 28 of theJ-channel members 20. A turned end 34 of the hook-shaped lip 32 isgenerally oriented to face toward the base portion 26 thereby formed agenerally U-shaped channel. In one embodiment, the flange portion 22 andthe leg portion 28 are generally parallel to one another. The baseportion 26 preferably forms an acute angle with the leg portion 28 andan obtuse angle with the flange portion 22. In other embodiments,however, the base portion 26 is perpendicular to both the leg portion 28and the flange portion 22.

An outside corner trim piece 36 secures to each of the J-channel members20 either before the J-channel members 20 have been mounted to thebuilding B or after they have been mounted to the building B. The sidingpanels S are installed to fit inside the J-shaped channel 30. Theoutside corner trim piece 36 conceals the J-channel members 20 andprovides an aesthetically appealing appearance to an outside corner ofthe building B. In FIG. 2, the first exterior trim system 18 is shownused for a generally square outside corner of the building B. In FIG. 3,the first exterior trim system 20 is shown used for a generally obtuseoutside corner of the building B.

The outside corner trim piece 36 includes a pair of generallyperpendicular sides 38, 40. Each of the sides 38, 40 includes aninterlocking lip 42. The interlocking lip 42 includes a male end 44having an additional turn relative to the hook-shaped lip 32. Afterinstallation, the interlocking lip 42 is disposed between thehook-shaped lip 32 and the siding panels S. At this point, the male end44 fits into the U-shaped channel thereby interlocking the outsidecorner trim piece 36 and the J-channel members 20 together.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 4-6, there is shown one embodiment ofthe outside corner trim piece 36. In FIG. 6, exemplary dimensions areprovided for the outside corner trim piece 36 in inches. However, thesedimensions are not intended to limit the present invention.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 7-9, a second exterior trim system isshown generally at 50. The second exterior trim system 50 utilizes thesame J-channel members 20 as the first exterior trim system 20.

A universal corner trim piece 56 secures to each of the J-channelmembers 20 either before or after the J-channel members 20 have beenmounted to the building B. The siding panels S are installed to fitinside the J-shaped channel 30. The universal corner trim piece 56conceals the J-channel members 20 and provides an aestheticallyappealing appearance to either an outside corner or an inside corner ofthe building B. By having application in both outside and inside cornersof the building B, the second exterior trim system 50 is considered auniversal trim system. In FIG. 7, the second exterior trim system 50 isshown used for a generally square inside corner of the building B. InFIG. 8, the second exterior trim system 50 is shown used for a generallyobtuse outside corner of the building B. In FIG. 9, the second exteriortrim system 50 is shown used for a generally square outside corner ofthe building.

The universal corner trim piece 56 includes a base 57 and a pair ofgenerally perpendicular sides 58, 60 extending from the base 57. Thebase 57 preferably forms a 45-degree angle with the sides 58, 60. Eachof the sides 58, 60 includes an interlocking lip 62. The interlockinglip 62 includes a male end 64 having an additional turn relative to thehook-shaped lip 32 so that the male end 64 fits into the U-shapedchannel thereby interlocking the universal corner trim piece 56 and theJ-channel members 20 together.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 10-12, there is shown one embodiment ofthe universal corner trim piece 56. In FIG. 12, exemplary dimensions areprovided for the universal corner trim piece 56 in inches. However,these dimensions are not intended to limit the present invention.

Referring specifically to FIG. 13, a third exterior trim system is showngenerally at 70. In this embodiment, the third exterior trim system 70is formed as a unitary member in that at least one surface of the baseand/or leg portions are joined or formed together, as opposed to a pairof separate channel members. The third exterior trim system 70 utilizesthe same J-channel members 20 as the first 18 and second 50 exteriortrim systems.

An inside corner trim piece 76 secures to each of the J-channel members20 either before or after the J-channel members 20 have been mounted tothe building B. The siding panels S are installed to fit inside theJ-shaped channel 30. The inside corner trim piece 76 conceals theJ-channel members 20 and provides an aesthetically appealing appearanceto an inside corner of the building B. In FIG. 13 the third exteriortrim system 70 is shown used for a generally square inside corner of thebuilding B.

The inside corner trim piece 76 includes a pair of generallyperpendicular sides 78, 80. Each of the sides 78, 80 includes ainterlocking lip 82. The interlocking lip 82 includes a male end 84having an additional turn relative to the hook-shaped lip 32 so that themale end 84 fits into the U-shaped channel thereby interlocking theinside corner trim piece 76 and the J-channel members 20 together.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 14-16, there is shown one embodiment ofthe inside corner trim piece 76. In FIG. 16, exemplary dimensions areprovided for the inside corner trim piece 76 in inches. These dimensionsare not intended to limit the present invention.

Each of the corner trim pieces 36, 56, 76 may have a decorative outerface. For instance, the outer faces may be embossed to give theappearance of wood grain, stone, brick, and the like. In addition, thecorner trim pieces 36, 56, 76 may be available in a variety of lengthsor may be cut to fit the particular building to which they are applied.The J-channel members 20 are either provided or generally cut to thesame length or close to the same length as the corner trim pieces 36,56, 76 to securely hold the corner trim pieces 36, 56, 76 onto thebuilding B.

Installation of the corner trim pieces 36, 56, 76 is preferably carriedout by first sliding the pair of J-channel members 20 onto the selectedcorner trim piece 36, 56, 76. This includes sliding the hook-shaped lip32 of each J-channel member 20 into one of the interlocking lips 42, 62,82 of the selected corner trim piece 36, 56, 76. By mating the lips 32and 42, 62, 82 together, and then sliding them onto one another, theJ-channel members 20 interlock with the selected corner trim piece 36,56, 76. Once assembled, the system 18, 50, 70 is mounted to the buildingB (using fasteners such as nails or screws in the holes 24). The sidingpanels S are then installed on the building B with their ends insertedinto the J-channels 30.

In another embodiment, the J-channel members 20 are installed on thebuilding B first, the siding panels S are then inserted into theJ-channels 30, and the corner trim piece 36, 56, 76 is snap-fit to theJ-channel members 20 by pressing the edges of the corner trim piece 36,56, 76 to urge the interlocking lips 42, 62, 82 into engagement with thehook-shaped lips 32. More specifically, the male ends 44, 64, 84 arepressed to fit into the U-shaped channels defined by the hook-shapedlips 32.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situationor material to the teachings of the invention without departing from theessential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the inventionnot be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best modecontemplated for carrying out this invention.

1. An exterior trim system for use on an exterior of a building,comprising: a channel member, wherein the channel member defines aJ-channel operable to receive an end of a siding panel, wherein one endof the channel member includes a flange member operable to fasten thechannel member to the exterior of the building, wherein a second end ofthe channel member includes a hook-shaped lip portion; and a corner trimmember, wherein the corner trim member includes an interlocking lipportion, wherein the interlocking lip portion at least partiallyenvelopes and is secured to the hook-shaped lip portion of the channelmember.
 2. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the channelmember includes a base portion angularly extending from the first end ofthe channel member.
 3. The invention according to claim 2, wherein thechannel member includes a leg portion angularly extending from thesecond end of the channel member.
 4. The invention according to claim 3,wherein the base portion and the leg portion interconnect the first andsecond ends of the channel member.
 5. The invention according to claim1, wherein the flange member includes an area defining an apertureoperable for receiving a fastening member.
 6. The invention according toclaim 1, wherein the corner trim member includes a first side member anda second side member oriented to form a substantially V-shapedcross-sectional configuration.
 7. The invention according to claim 6,wherein the interlocking lip portion is formed at an end portion ofeither the first or second side member.
 8. The invention according toclaim 7, wherein the interlocking lip portion comprises a substantiallyC-shaped member.
 9. The invention according to claim 8, wherein thehook-shaped lip portion is operable to be received within at least aportion of the C-shaped member.
 10. The invention according to claim 1,wherein the corner trim member includes a substantially planar baseportion and first side member and a second side member angularlyextending from the base portion.
 11. The invention according to claim10, wherein the interlocking lip portion is formed at an end portion ofeither the first or second side member.
 12. The invention according toclaim 11, wherein the interlocking lip portion comprises a substantiallyC-shaped member.
 13. The invention according to claim 12, wherein thehook-shaped lip portion is operable to be received within at least aportion of the C-shaped member.
 14. An exterior trim system for use onan exterior of a building, comprising: a pair of channel members,wherein each of the channel members define a J-channel operable toreceive an end of a siding panel, wherein one end of each of the channelmembers include a flange member operable to fasten the channel member tothe exterior of the building, wherein a second end of each of thechannel members include a hook-shaped lip portion; and a corner trimmember, wherein the corner trim member includes a pair of interlockinglip portions, wherein each of the interlocking lip portions at leastpartially envelop and are secured to each of the hook-shaped lipportions of the channel members.
 15. The invention according to claim14, wherein each of the channel members include a base portion angularlyextending from the first ends of the channel members.
 16. The inventionaccording to claim 15, wherein each of the channel members include a legportion angularly extending from the second ends of the channel members.17. The invention according to claim 16, wherein each of the baseportions and the leg portions interconnect the first and second ends ofthe channel members.
 18. The invention according to claim 14, whereineach of the flange members include an area defining an aperture operablefor receiving a fastening member.
 19. The invention according to claim14, wherein the corner trim member includes a first side member and asecond side member oriented to form a substantially V-shapedcross-sectional configuration.
 20. The invention according to claim 19,wherein each of the interlocking lip portions are formed at an endportion of the first and second side members.
 21. The inventionaccording to claim 20, wherein each of the interlocking lip portionscomprise a substantially C-shaped member.
 22. The invention according toclaim 21, wherein each of the hook-shaped lip portions are operable tobe received within at least a portion of each of the C-shaped members.23. The invention according to claim 14, wherein the corner trim memberincludes a substantially planar base portion and first side member and asecond side member angularly extending from the base portion.
 24. Theinvention according to claim 23, wherein each of the interlocking lipportions are formed at an end portion of the first and second sidemembers.
 25. The invention according to claim 24, wherein each of theinterlocking lip portions comprise a substantially C-shaped member. 26.The invention according to claim 25, wherein each of the hook-shaped lipportions are operable to be received within at least a portion of eachof the C-shaped members.
 27. An exterior trim system for use on anexterior of a building, comprising: a unitary channel member, whereinthe channel member defines a pair of J-channels each operable to receivean end of a siding panel, wherein a first end and a second end of thechannel member each include a flange member operable to fasten thechannel member to the exterior of the building, wherein a third end anda fourth end of the channel member each include a hook-shaped lipportion; and a corner trim member, wherein the corner trim memberincludes a pair of interlocking lip portions, wherein each of theinterlocking lip portions at least partially envelop and are secured toeach of the hook-shaped lip portions of the channel member.
 28. Theinvention according to claim 27, wherein the channel member includes apair of base portions angularly extending from the first and second endsof the channel member.
 29. The invention according to claim 28, whereinthe channel member includes a pair of leg portions angularly extendingfrom the third and fourth ends of the channel member.
 30. The inventionaccording to claim 29, wherein the base and leg portions interconnectthe first and second ends of the channel member with the third andfourth ends of the channel member.
 31. The invention according to claim27, wherein each of the flange members include an area defining anaperture operable for receiving a fastening member.
 32. The inventionaccording to claim 27, wherein the corner trim member includes a firstside member and a second side member oriented to form a substantiallyV-shaped cross-sectional configuration.
 33. The invention according toclaim 32, wherein each of the interlocking lip portions are formed at anend portion of the first and second side members.
 34. The inventionaccording to claim 33, wherein each of the interlocking lip portionscomprise a substantially C-shaped member.
 35. The invention according toclaim 34, wherein each of the hook-shaped lip portions are operable tobe received within at least a portion of each of the C-shaped members.36. The invention according to claim 27, wherein the corner trim memberincludes a substantially planar base portion and first side member and asecond side member angularly extending from the base portion.
 37. Theinvention according to claim 36, wherein each of the interlocking lipportions are formed at an end portion of the first and second sidemembers.
 38. The invention according to claim 37, wherein each of theinterlocking lip portions comprise a substantially C-shaped member. 39.The invention according to claim 38, wherein each of the hook-shaped lipportions are operable to be received within at least a portion of eachof the C-shaped members.